Self contained in-ground geothermal generator

ABSTRACT

A self contained geothermal generator includes a boiler, a turbine compartment, an electricity generator, a condenser and an electric cable. The condenser includes a distributor chamber, a peripheral chamber and plurality of tubes disposed between the chambers. The peripheral chamber of the condenser surrounds and cools turbine, elective generator and selector of the condenser departments. The condenser cools and converts exhausted steam back in liquid state and returns it back into boiler for reheating. In a method of using the geothermal generator, water contained within the boiler is converted to high-pressure, super heated steam due to heat from hot rocks contained within a pre-drilled well below the Earth&#39;s surface. The steam is used to produce electric energy which is transported up to the ground surface by the electric cable. A plurality of geothermal generators may be used in a “binary” power plant through system of several heat exchangers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application toNikola Lakic entitled “SELF CONTAINED IN-GROUND GEOTHERMAL GENERATOR,”Ser. No. 11/770,543, filed Jun. 28, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates generally to a self-contained in-groundgeothermal generator. This invention also relates to the effectivemethod of use of geothermal energy.

2. State of the Art

Geothermal is a renewable energy source made possible by the sametectonic activity that causes local earthquakes and the risingmountains. Geothermal is endless supply of energy from which we cangenerate power. The earth's rigged outer shell, the lithosphere,consisting of the crust and upper mantle, rests upon the hotter and moreplastic region of the upper mantle, below the crust, called theasthenosphere. The thickness of the Earth's crust varies from a fewmiles to perhaps hundred fifty miles. Rock heated by magma deep belowthe surface boils water trapped in underground Reservoirs—sometimes ashot as 700 degree F. Some of this hot geothermal water travels back upthrough faults and cracks and reaches the earth's surface as hot springsor geysers, but most of it stays deep underground, trapped in cracks andporous rock. This natural collection of hot water is called a geothermalreservoir. We already enjoy some of this activity via natural hotsprings.

Presently, wells are drilled into the geothermal reservoirs to bring thehot water to the surface. At geothermal power plants, this hot water ispiped to the surface. Then, after removing silica, steam is created andused to spin turbines creating mechanical energy. The shaft from theturbines to the generator converts mechanical energy to electricalenergy. The used geothermal water is then returned down an injectionwell into the reservoir to be reheated, to maintain pressure, and tosustain the reservoir.

There are three kinds of geothermal power plants. The kind we builddepends on the temperatures and pressures of a reservoir.

-   -   1. A “dry” steam reservoir produces steam but very little water.        The steam is piped directly into a “dry” steam power plant to        provide the force to spin the turbine generator. The largest dry        steam field in the world is The Geysers, about 90 miles north of        San Francisco. Production of electricity started at The Geysers        in 1960, at what has become the most successful alternative        energy project in history.    -   2. A geothermal reservoir that produces mostly hot water is        called a “hot water reservoir” and is used in a “flash” power        plant. Water ranging in temperature from 300-700 degrees F. is        brought up to the surface through the production well where,        upon being released from the pressure of the deep reservoir,        some of the water flashes into steam after removing silica in a        ‘separator.’ The steam then powers the turbines.    -   3. A reservoir with temperatures between 250-360 degrees F. is        not hot enough to flash enough steam but can still be used to        produce electricity in a “binary” power plant. In a binary        system the geothermal water is passed through a heat exchanger,        where its heat is transferred into a second (binary) liquid,        such as isopentane, that boils at a lower temperature than        water. When heated, the binary liquid flashes to vapor, which,        like steam, expands across and spins the turbine blades. The        vapor is then condensed to a liquid and is reused repeatedly. In        this closed loop cycle, there are no emissions to the air.

It's also a proven, relatively clean energy source. More than 30 nationssitting in earthquake and volcanic zones have extensively usedgeothermal power for decades.

Existing use of geothermal energy is limited with location. Geothermalresources are limited to the “shallow” hydrothermal reservoirs at thecrustal plate boundaries. Much of the world is underlain (3-6 milesdown), by hot dry rock—no water, but lots of heat.

Presently, a cross the globe many countries are looking to the heat ofhot rocks for future energy need. In areas of the world where steam isnot as close to the surface as it is at the geysers, engineers areexperimenting with process called “hot dry rock technology”.

In hot dry rock geothermal technology there is no steam lock up in thehot rocks that exist down under the crust so scientist in the U.S.A.,Japan, England, France, Germany, Belgium and Australia, haveexperimented with piping water into this deep hot rock to create morehydrothermal resources for use in geothermal power plants. The simplesthot dry rock power plant comprises one injection well and two productionwells.

What they try to do is drill down an injection well into the rock andthen inject down into the well, under pressure, what ever water sourcethey happen to have on the surface, hoping that it will travel throughcracks and fissures as an underground heat exchanger in the hot graniteand provide underground reservoir and then drill more production wellsaround perimeter and try to recover that water and steam and pump itback to surface and then use it in a conventional or in a “binary” powerplant.

The invention of the coal-burning steam engine revolutionized industrialproduction in the 18^(th) c. and opened the way to the development ofmechanized transport by rail and sea. The modern steam engine, usinghigh-pressure superheated steam, remains a major source of electricalpower and means of marine propulsion, though oil has replaced coil asthe fuel in many installations and the reciprocating engine has givenway to the steam turbines.

Modern wells, mostly used in oil industry and geothermal plants, drilledusing rotary drills, can achieve lengths of over 38,000 feet (12 000meters). The well is created by drilling a hole 5 to 30 inches (13-76cm) in diameter into the earth. Drilling technology is improving everyday.

Accordingly, there is a need in the field of geothermal energy for anapparatus and method for effectively using the enormous heat resourcesof the Earth's crust that are accessible by using current drillingtechnology.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a new method of using inexhaustible supply ofgeothermal energy effectively. The present invention relates to a selfcontained, in-ground geothermal generator, which continuously produceselectric energy from renewable geothermal resources. The generator isnot limited to the “shallow” hydrothermal reservoirs as existinggeothermal power plants operate today.

By lowering the unit with cables into pre-drilled well to the desiredlevel and temperature, geothermal energy becomes controllable andproduction of electric energy becomes available. Electricity is producedby generator at the in-ground unit and is then transported up to theground surface by electric cable.

Relatively cheap and clean electric energy continuously produced fromgeothermal renewable source, beside common use in homes and businesses,can be used for production of hydrogen which can be used as a cleansource of energy in many applications including the auto industry or canbe used to recharge electric car batteries, and can eventually replaceddepleting, expensive and polluting oil, coal and other fossil fuels,which are used to create electricity. Nuclear power plants with verytoxic waste material can also be replaced.

The self contain in-ground geothermal generator comprises a slimcylindrical shape, which, positioned vertically, can be lowered with asystem of cables deep into the ground in a pre-drilled well. The selfcontained generator includes a boiler with water, turbines, a gear box,an electric generator, a condenser with a system of tubes for returningwater back into the boiler, an electric cable for transporting electricenergy up to the ground surface and a cooling system which comprises aseparate system of close loop tubes, which are connected with heatexchanger on ground surface.

The self contained in-ground geothermal generator also contain aninternal and external structural cylinders. The space formed betweenexternal and internal cylinders and plurality of tubes within is part ofthe condenser which cools and converts exhausted steam back in liquidstate and returns it back as feed water into boiler for reheating.

In this method of using the geothermal generator, water contained withinthe boiler is converted to high-pressure, super heated steam due to heatfrom hot rocks contained within a pre-drilled well below the Earth'ssurface. The steam is used to produce electric energy which istransported up to the ground surface by the electric cable.

The cooling system is a close loop tube which cools condenser bycirculating water through the peripheral chamber of the condenser,formed between external and internal cylinders, and then transfers theheat up on ground surface. The heat on ground surface is then used toproduce additional electricity in a “binary” power plant through systemof several heat exchangers. The peripheral chamber of the condensersurrounds and cools turbine and electric generator departments.Alternatively, the heat exchanger on surface can be used for heatingindividual buildings.

The cooling system for self contained geothermal generator is anindependent close loop tube system, which, as an alternative system, canbe modify and operate independently as a heat exchanger. Namely, insteadcirculating water through condenser formed between external and internalcylinders, it can circulate water through coil-tube, which function as aheat exchanger, deep in ground, and then exchange the heat on surfacethrough system of heat exchangers. Both of these two close loop systems,(cooling system for self contained in-ground geothermal generator and anindependent in-ground heat exchanger) have at least one water pump toprovide liquid circulation through the pipe line and to reducehydrostatic pressure at the lower part of the close loop system.

There are many areas in many countries with earthquake and volcaniczones where hot rocks can be reached in relatively short distance fromthe ground surface.

Self contained geothermal generator is lowered deep in ground to the hotrocks. The bottom part of the boiler may have several vertical indents(groves) to increase its conductive surface thereby increasingconductivity of heat from hot rocks to the water inside boiler, whichproduces high-pressure superheated steam, which than turns the turbines.

The axle of the turbine is a solid shaft and is connected to the axis ofthe rotor of the electric generator, which is a cylindrical shaft thatrotates within generator and produces electricity. The cylindrical shapeof the rotor shaft allows for steam to pass through to the condenser'sdistributor. The cylindrical shaft of the rotor also functions as asecondary turbine. It has a secondary set of small blades attached tothe inside wall and positioned to increase the rotation of the rotor.Exhausted steam then reaches the condenser through a system of tubeswhere the steam condenses and returns to the boiler as feed waterthrough a feed water tank. This process is repetitive and is regulatedwith two sets of steam control valves and boiler feedwater pumps, whichcan be activated automatically by pressure or heat or electronically bysensors and a computer in a control room on the ground surface.

The purpose of the gear box, or converter, which is located between theturbines and the generator, is to neutralize momentum produced by thespinning turbines by changing the direction of the rotor of thegenerator. Thus the rotor of the generator spins in the oppositedirection than the main turbines.

The boiler of the self contained in-ground geothermal generator isfilled with water after all assembly is lowered to the bottom of thewell through separate set of tubes to reduce weight of whole assemblyduring lowering process. The same tubes are also used to supply,maintain and regulate necessary level of water in boiler.

The condenser which surrounds and cools turbine and electromagneticgenerator, but not boiler, is insulated from external heat of hot rockswith tick layer of heat resistant insulation. An additional peripherallayer of insulation can be aluminum foil. Whole assembly of the selfcontained in-ground geothermal generator can be treated with specialcoat of rust resistant material.

The boiler of the assembly can be filled, beside water, also withliquid, such as isopentane, that boils at a lower temperature than waterto make the unit functional at less dept or a lower temperature.

Also, coolant for condenser can be filled, beside water, with otherliquid with higher boiling point than water.

The step-up transformer can be added on top of unit or can be separatedfrom assembly and carried with separate cable to reduce the weight ofthe assembly. If needed, several transformers can be added and spaced atnecessary distance (levels). (Transformer is not illustrated in thedrawings). Within the transformer, the voltage is increased before thepower is sent to the surface and power lines to carry electricity tohomes and businesses.

In the boiler there is a safety check valve to release steam, if needed,in emergency such as if control valves malfunction.

There a set of protruded holding pins on each assembly segment so it canbe carried with a set of separate cables to reduce tension on main cableduring lowering or lifting of the assembly.

There are structural ribs between internal and external cylinders toimprove structural integrity of the assembly in high pressureenvironment.

All segments can be welded or bolted on surface during lowering process.

All carrying cables, supply tubes, coolant tubes, control cables andelectric cable are at appropriate length segmented to be easily attachedand reattached.

After well is drilled the portable or permanent tower can be built withsystem of ratchets for lowering or lifting the assembly.

The potential for geothermal energy is huge. The Earth has aninexhaustible supply of energy. The question was, until now, how to usethat heat effectively.

With invention presented here, SELF CONTAIN IN-GROUND GEOTHERMALGENERATOR, we will be able to tap the true potential of the enormousheat resources of the earth's crust.

One objective of this invention is a method to provide relatively cheapand clean electric energy continuously produced from geothermalrenewable source—not limited to the “shallow” hydrothermal reservoirs.Beside common use in homes and businesses, it can be used for productionof hydrogen which can be used as a clean source of energy in manyapplications including auto industry and eventually replaced depleting,expensive and polluting oil, coal and other fossil fuels which are usedto create electricity. Nuclear power plant with very toxic wastematerial can also be replaced.

Another objective of this invention to provide a self contain in-groundgeothermal generator.

A further objective of this invention is to provide geothermal generatorassembled in vertical position, containing boiler with water, turbines,an electric generator, condenser with system of pipes returning feedwater back to the boiler.

A still further objective of this invention is to provide a gear box(converter) located between turbines and generator to neutralizemomentum produced by spinning turbines, by changing direction of therotor of the generator to spin in opposite direction of the mainturbines.

Another objective of this invention is that the cooling system isindependent close loop tube which has at least two heat exchangers;first one down in the well and second one on the ground surface. Firstone which absorbs heat from condenser by circulating cool water throughthe peripheral chamber of the condenser, formed between external andinternal cylinders, and then transfers the heat up on ground surfacewhere heat is exchanged through second heat exchanger, which is acoil-tube, and then cooled water returned to the condenser again.

A further objective of this invention is that independent close looptube has at least one pump to circulate water through the system, and toreduce hydrostatic pressure.

A further objective of this invention is that an alternative independentclose loop tube system which has at least two heat exchangers; first onewhich is a coil-tube down in the well and second one which is also acoil-tube on the ground surface. First one which absorbs heat fromsurrounding hot rocks by circulating cool water through heat exchanger(coil tube) and then transfers the heat up on ground surface where heatis exchanged through second heat exchanger (also a coil tube).

A farther objective of this invention is that independent close looptube has at least one pump to circulate water through the system, and toreduce hydrostatic pressure. (The speed and pressure inside tube areconstant. P (pressure)×V (speed)=constant. More speed=less pressure.)

A further objective of this invention is that each of those two closeloop systems, (cooling system for self contained in-ground geothermalgenerator and an independent in-ground heat exchanger) provides slimcylindrical design which can functions in a single well.

Another objective of this invention is to provide structural externaland structural internal cylinders with a cooling chamber, the condenserformed between them, which surrounds and cools turbine and electricgenerator departments.

A further objective of this invention is that there are structural ribsbetween internal and external cylinders to improve structural integrityof the assembly in high pressure environment.

A still further objective of this invention is that all carrying cables,supply tubes, coolant tubes, control cables and electric cable are atappropriate length segmented to be easily attached and reattached to thecables connector platforms.

A further objective of this invention is that external structuralcylinder of the boiler has external and internal indentations toincrease conductive surface and to increase conductivity of heat to thewater inside boiler.

Another objective of this invention is that the boiler of the selfcontained in-ground geothermal generator can be filled with water afterwhole assembly is lowered to the bottom of the well through separatehose to reduce weight of whole assembly during lowering process.

Another objective of this invention is that necessary level of waterinside the boiler of the self contained in-ground geothermal generatorcan be supplied and regulated from control room on ground surface.

A farther objective of this invention is that condenser which surroundsand cools whole unit, except boiler, is insulated from external heat ofhot rocks with tick layer of heat resistant insulation.

Another objective of this invention is that there is a set of protrudedholding pins on each assembly segment so it can be carried with set ofseparate peripheral cables to reduce tension on main cable duringlowering or lifting the assembly.

It is also an objective of this invention that geo-thermal energybecomes controllable and production of, relatively cheap, electricenergy available by lowering unit with a cable into a pre-drilled wellto the desired level and temperature.

A further objective of this invention is that electricity is produced bya generator at the in-ground unit and transported to the ground surfaceby electric cable.

A further objective of this invention is that assembling tower can beused as a platform for wind mill if geothermal power plant is located inwindy area.

It is also an objective of this invention that this method of producingelectric energy can be used in global climate crises, which couldhappen, such as ice age, in which instant agriculture could continue ingreen houses gardens where artificial lights and heat are applied.

A further objective of this invention is that method of producingelectricity with the self contained in-ground geothermal generator canbe applied on another planets and moons with geothermal potential andwhere sun-light is insufficient.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill be apparent from the following more detailed description of theparticular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the figures of which:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a self contained in-groundgeothermal generator, with main segments in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along line 1-1′ of FIG. 3 of aself contained in-ground geothermal generator, in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the condenser distributor along line3-3′ of FIG. 2, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the condenser and generator alongline 4-4′ of FIG. 2, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view along line 5-5′ of FIG. 2illustrating the condenser and the gear box, in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 6 is cross sectional view along line 6-6′ of FIG. 5, in accordancewith the invention;

FIG. 7 is cross sectional view along line 7-7′ of FIG. 5, in accordancewith the invention;

FIG. 8 is cross sectional view along line 8-8′ of FIG. 5, in accordancewith the invention;

FIG. 9 is cross sectional view of the condenser and the turbines alongline 9-9′ of FIG. 2, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 10 is cross sectional view of the feed water storage tank andturbines along line 10-10′ of FIG. 2, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 11 is cross sectional view of the boiler along line 11-11′ of FIG.2, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of cross sectional view of the selfcontained in-ground geothermal generator, with main segments includingheat exchanger on the ground surface, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of cross sectional view of an alternativeindependent heat exchange system, with main segments including a closeloop tube, one heat exchanger deep in the ground and one on the groundsurface, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of cross sectional view of the binarygeothermal power plant on the ground surface, in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of cross sectional view of an alternativegeothermal power plant on the ground surface, in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 16 is plain view of the geothermal power plant with 24 wells andcontrol center. For clarity and simplicity, is shown schematic diagramonly of one quarter of the plant (6 wells), in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 17 is enlarged schematic diagram of the one section of thegeothermal power plant shown in FIG. 16 in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 18 is enlarged plain view of one heat exchanger tank illustrated inFIGS. 16 and 17, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the heat exchanger tanktaken along line 19-19′ of FIG. 18, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 20 illustrate a cross sectional view of an alternative tower forassembling, lowering or lifting the self contained in-ground geothermalgenerator, in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 21 illustrate a cross sectional view of an alternative tower forassembling, lowering or lifting the self contained in-ground geothermalgenerator, with wind mill installed on it, in accordance with theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, the self contain in-ground geothermal generatorcomprises a slim cylindrical shape, which, positioned vertically, can belowered with a system of cables deep into the ground in a pre-drilledwell. The self contained in-ground geothermal generator 100 of theinvention is shown in cross sectional view, with main segments. The mainelements of the assembly 100 are: the boiler 120, the turbinecompartment 130, the gear box, or converter 140, the electric generator150, the condenser/distributor 160, and system of cables and tubes 170which includes electric cable for transporting electric energy up to theground surface.

Referring now to FIG. 2, enlarged cross sectional view of the selfcontain in-ground geothermal generator 100 shown in FIG. 1, taken alongline 2-2′ of FIG. 3. The main elements of the assembly 100 are: theboiler 120, the turbine compartment 130, the gear box, or converter 140,the electric generator 150, the condenser 160 with distributor chamber61 and peripheral chamber 68 with system of tubes 62 for returningexhausted condensed steam as a feed water back into the boiler, andsystem of cables and tubes 170.

The System of cables and tubes 170 includes peripheral caring cables 74,main caring cable 75, control cable 76, boiler supply tubes 121, coolingsystem tubes 72, and main electric cable 77, for transporting electricenergy up to the ground surface.

The boiler 120 includes lower part having a water tank area 122 andupper part having a steam area 124. The assembly 100 has a hook eye 71and can be attached by hook 73 and cable 75 or with system of pulleysand cables and then lowered into pre-drilled well deep in the ground tothe level where rocks heated by magma deep below the Earth's surfaceboils the water in the water tank area 122 of the lower part of theboiler 120. The steam in the steam area 124 of the upper part of theboiler 120 is also heated by surrounding hot rocks producing superheatedsteam. High-pressured superheated steam passes through a set of steamcontrol valve 88 into a turbines compartment 130, which has a set ofblades 32 which are attached to a solid shaft 34 and spins it. The solidshaft 34 of the turbines is connected to a cylindrical shaft 52 of theelectric generator 150 through a gear box or converter 140. Steam fromthe turbine compartment is stirred through a set of openings 36 andthrough the cylindrical shaft 52 of the generator 150 into thedistributor chamber 61 of the condenser 160. Exhausted steam then startscondensing and is stirred through the set of openings 63 into aplurality of tubes 62 and back into the feed water tank 110 and thenpumped into boiler 120 through boiler feed pump 112 and boiler feed pipe114.

Here are also illustrated a structural external cylinder 90 andstructural internal cylinder 80. The peripheral chamber 68 of thecondenser 160 is formed in space between external cylinder 90 andinternal cylinder 80. The peripheral chamber 68 has plurality of tubes62 within, as explained above. There are structural ribs 85 betweeninternal and external cylinders to improve structural integrity of theassembly in high pressure environment. The ribs 85 have holes 87 forwater circulation. (For clarity and simplicity of the illustration theribs 85 are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).

The cooling system is an independent close loop tube which has at leasttwo heat exchangers; first one down in the well and second one on theground surface. First one which absorbs heat from condenser bycirculating cool water through the peripheral chamber of the condenser,formed between external and internal cylinders, and then transfers theheat up on ground surface where heat is exchanged through second heatexchanger, which is a coil-tube, and then cooled water returned to thecondenser again.

The cooling system consists of a close loop tube 72, one heat exchangerdeep underground, which is peripheral chamber 68 of the condenser 160and second one the coil tube 182 on the ground surface. (The coil tube182 on the ground surface is shown in FIG. 12).

The close loop tube 72 is attached to the peripheral chamber 68 of thecondenser 160 through cooling water pumps 172 and 174. The cooling waterpump 172 injects cooled water through pipe 178 to the bottom of theperipheral chamber 68. Water cools condenser by circulating through theperipheral chamber 68 of the condenser 160. The hot water, whichnaturally rises to the upper part of the peripheral chamber 68, is theninjected through water pump 174 into other end of the tube 72 and takenup to the ground surface where heat is exchanged through coil tube 182,which is part of heat exchanger 184, and then returns cooled water toperipheral chamber 68 of the condenser 160. The heat on ground surfaceis then used to produce additional electricity in a “binary” power plantthrough system of several heat exchangers (Explained in FIG. 12-19).

The peripheral chamber 68, which is part of the condenser 160, isstrategically positioned so that besides cooling condenser 160, alsosurrounds, cools and prevent from overheating turbines 130, gearbox/converter 140, and electromagnetic generator 150.

The close loop tube 72 have at least one water pump 172 in line(preferably several) to provide water circulation through the tube lineand to reduce hydrostatic pressure at the lower part of the close loopsystem. If necessary several close loop tube 72 can be installed onunite to speed up cooling and heat exchange process. The speed andpressure inside tube are constant. P (pressure)×V (speed)=constant. Morespeed=less pressure.

As an alternative solution; the peripheral chamber 68 of the condenser160 can be supplied and cooled with an additional independent coil tube(heat exchanger) and close loop system similar to one shown in FIG. 13.

The peripheral wall of the boiler 120 can have indentations to increaseconductive surface and to increase conductivity of heat to the waterinside boiler (For simplicity not shown).

The boiler 120 is filled with water, after whole assembly of the selfcontained in-ground geothermal generator 100 is lowered to the bottom ofthe well, through set of tubes 121, to reduce weight of assembly duringlowering process. Illustrated are two tubes 121 attached to the unit-oneto supply water into boiler 120 and other to let air escape duringfilling process. Also important purpose of the tubes 121 is to supply,maintain and regulate necessary level of water in boiler 120.

All main elements of the assembly 100; the boiler 120, the turbinecompartment 130, the gear box, or converter 140, the electric generator150, and the condenser/distributor 160, can be assembled during loweringprocess by fusing multi sections of same kind to the desired length andcapacity. The fusing process can be bolting or welding.

There is a set of protruded holding pins 66 on each assembly segment soit can be carried with set of separate peripheral cables 74 to reducetension on main cable 75 during lowering or lifting the assembly.

The condenser 68, which is formed between structural external 90 andstructural internal 80 cylinders, which surrounds and cools whole unit,except boiler 120, is insulated from external heat of hot rocks withtick layer of heat resistant insulation 92.

The boiler 120 has a safety check valve 126 to release steam, if needed,in emergency such as if control valves malfunction, etc.

The purpose of the gear box or converter 140, which is located betweenturbines 130 and the electric generator 150, is to neutralize momentumproduced by the spinning turbines 33 by changing the direction of therotor 54 of the generator 150. Thus the rotor 54 of the generator 150spins in the opposite direction than the main turbines 33.

Referring now to FIG. 5-8, the upper end of turbines shaft 34 is solidlyconnected with disk/platform 35 which extend to the peripheral cylinder41 of the gear box 140, with which is secured and engage with system ofbearings 42 and gears wheels 43. Gear box is secured to the mainstructural cylinder 80. Disk/platform 35 has several openings 36 forsteam to leave turbines compartment. Disk/platform 35 also extendsupwardly in shape of funnel 39 for steam to be funneled into cylindricalshaft 52 of the electric generator 150. The cylindrical shaft 52 of therotor 54 also functions as a secondary turbine. It has secondary set ofsmall blades 58 attached to the inside wall and positioned so toincrease rotation of the rotor when steam passes through.

Disk/platform 35 is engage with upper disc/platform 37 through set ofgear wheels 43, which are secured with peripheral cylinder 41 of thegear box 140 with their axles/pins 44. The upper disk/platform 37 isalso engage with upper part 38 of the funnel 39 through bearing 46 andwith peripheral cylinder 41 of the gear box 140 through bearing 47 andis also solidly connected to cylindrical shaft 52 of the generator 150.Disk/platform 35 and disk/platform 37 have carved grooves 45 whichengage and correspond with gear wheels 43.

FIG. 3, is a cross sectional view of the condenser/distributor 160 alongline 3-3′ of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates the main structural internalcylinder 80, the external structural cylinder 90, thecondenser/distributor 61, and the peripheral chamber 68 of the condenser160 which surrounds the condenser/distributor 61. Here are also showntubes 62 spread around the peripheral chamber 68. Exhausted steam passesthrough openings 63 which lead to tubes 62 which then return condensedwater to the boiler 120. Here is also shown solid disk/platform 94 whichseparate generator 150 from condenser 160. Upper end of cylindricalshaft 52 is secured and engaged to the disk/platform 94 through bearing96.

Here is also shown pipe 178 which brings cooled water at the bottom ofthe peripheral chamber 68. Also shown here are boiler supply tubes 121for filling boiler with water after assembly is lowered down into well.Also shown here are structural ribs 85 between internal and externalcylinders to improve structural integrity of the assembly in highpressure environment. Here are also shown protruded holding pins 66 forcaring each segment of the assembly with set of peripheral cables 74 toreduce tension on main cable 75 during lowering or lifting the assembly.(Caring cables not shown).

Here is also shown electrical conduit 77 which transport electricityfrom generator 150 up to the ground surface and further to the powerlines. Also shown here is heat resistant insulation 92 which surroundswhole assembly except boiler 120.

FIG. 4, is a cross sectional view of the electric generator 150 alongline 4-4′ of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 also illustrate main structural internalcylinder 80, external structural cylinder 90, the peripheral chamber 68of the condenser 160 with tubes 62 spread around the peripheral chamber68. Here is also illustrated cylindrical shaft 52, rotor 54 of theelectric generator 150 which is fix to the shaft 52, and stator 56 ofthe electric generator 150 which is fix to the main internal structuralcylinder 80. Here are also shown protruded holding pins 66 for caringeach segment, but offset relative to adjacent segment so that peripheralcables 74 can be spread all around periphery of the assembly. Also shownhere are structural ribs 85 with perforations 87, the electrical conduit77, boiler supply tubes 121, the pipe 178 and insulation 92.

FIG. 9 is cross sectional view of the condenser and the turbines alongline 9-9′ of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 also illustrate main structural internal cylinder 80, externalstructural cylinder 90, the peripheral chamber 68 of the condenser 160with tubes 62 spread around the peripheral chamber 68. Also shown hereare structural ribs 85 with perforations 87.

Here are also illustrated solid turbines shaft 34 with blades 32, boilersupply tubes 121, the pipe 178, and insulation 92. Here are also shownprotruded holding pins 66 for caring each segment, but offset relativeto adjacent segment.

FIG. 10 is cross sectional view of the feed water storage tank andturbines along line 10-10′ of FIG. 2. FIG. 10 also illustrate mainstructural internal cylinder 80 and extended external structuralcylinder 90 which, at this location, forms the feed water storage tank110. Here are also shown the boiler feed pumps 112 located in the feedwater storage tank 110 which inject feed water into boiler 120. Alsoshown here are steam control valves 88 which controls flow of steam intoturbines 33. Here are also shown water pumps 116 located on thedisc/platform 82 at the bottom of the turbines compartment 130. Thepurpose of water pumps 116 is to removes excess water, if accumulated atthe bottom of turbines compartment 130, and to eject it into feed waterstorage tank 110 through pipes 117. (For clarity and simplicity thepumps 116 are not shown in FIG. 2). Also shown here are waterpumps/valves 125 and tube 121 which supply, maintain and regulatenecessary level of water in boiler 120. Here is also shown the solidshaft 34 of the turbines 33 with set of bearings 84 and 96 on which theshaft 34 sits and is secured on the disc/platform 82. Also shown is theinsulation 92.

FIG. 11 is cross sectional view of the boiler 120 along line 11-11′ ofFIG. 2. Here is illustrated peripheral wall/cylinder 128 of the boiler120. Also shown here are protruded holding pins 66 for caring eachsegment of the assembly with set of peripheral cables as explainedearlier. Here holding pins 66 are shown as extensions of the rod 65. Therod 65 has openings 118 for guiding feed pipe 114 to the lower part 122of the boiler 120.

Also here is shown safety release valve 126 and reinforcing plates 129.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of cross sectional view of the selfcontained in-ground geothermal generator, with main segments includingheat exchanger on the ground surface. FIG. 12 illustrates the boiler120, the turbines 130, the gear box 140, the electric generator 150, andthe condenser 160. Here is also shown peripheral chamber 68 of thecondenser 160 which function as a heat exchanger by cooling tubes 62which are spread within. (For simplicity and clarity tubes 62 are notshown here). Here is also shown coil tube 182 which exchanges heat in aheat exchanger 184 up on the ground surface, which is part of the binarygeothermal power plant 180, which is explained in FIG. 14. Theperipheral chamber 68 of the condenser 160, which function as a heatexchanger down in the unite and coil tube 182, which exchanges heat in aheat exchanger 184 up on the ground surface are connected with closeloop tubes 72 which are insolated to prevent lousing heat duringtransport. Here are also illustrated several water pumps 172 and 174which circulate water through close loop system. Also here is showncable connector platform 176 which connects segments of tubes andcables. Also here is shown main cable 75, and insulation layer 92.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of cross sectional view of analternative, independent, heat exchange system. The main segmentsinclude; a close loop tube, one heat exchanger deep in the ground andone up on the ground surface. Here in FIG. 13 are illustrated the sameelements of the cooling system shown in FIG. 12, namely; one heatexchanger deep in the ground and one up on the ground surface and oneclose loop tube with several water pumps which circulate water throughclose loop system.

In this embodiment, instead of peripheral chamber 68 which functions asa heat exchanger, a coil tube 168 is used which functions as a heatexchanger. The heat exchanger 168 consists of; the strait tube 189, thecoil tube 188, the structural pipe 187 and the platform 186. Thestructural pipe 187 which provide strength to the unit is attached tothe platform 186. The structural pipe 187 has one opening at the bottomfor strait tube 189 to exit and one opening at top for strait tube 189to enter. The structural pipe 187 may have more perforations ifnecessary to reduce its weight and to provide more heat to the straittube 189. Here is also shown base 185 of structural pipe 187 on whichwhole assembly rest.

The coil tube 168 which functions as heat exchanger down in the groundand coil tube 182 which functions as heat exchanger up on the groundsurface are connected with close loop tube 72. Here are also illustratedseveral water pumps 172 and 174 which circulate water through close loopsystem. The heat from hot rocks deep in the well is absorbed throughheat exchanger 168 and transported with house 72 up to the groundsurface to the heat exchanger 184 where its heat is transferred into asecond (binary) liquid, such as isopentane, that boils at a lowertemperature than water. The heat exchanger 184 is part of the binarygeothermal power plant 180, which is explained in FIG. 14.

Also here is shown cable connector platform 176 which connects segmentsof tubes 72 and cable 75.

The heat exchange system explained here in FIG. 13. is an alternativecooling system for a self-contained in-ground geothermal generator canalso function as an alternative, independent, heat exchange system,which would be substantial improvement to experimental process so called“hot dry rock technology”.

The simplest “hot dry rock technology” power plant comprises oneinjection well and two production wells. Scientist are trying to drilldown injection well into the rocks and then inject down into well, underpressure, what ever water source they have happen to have on the surfacehoping that water will travel through cracks and fissures of the hotrocks and form underground reservoir, and then they intend to drillproduction wells around perimeter and try to recover that water andsteam by pumping it back to surface and then use it in a conventional orin a “binary” power plant.

Binary plants use lower-temperature, but much more common, hot waterresources (100° F.-300° F.). The hot water is passed through a heatexchanger in conjunction with a secondary (hence, “binary plant”) fluidwith a lower boiling point (usually a hydrocarbon such as isobutane orisopentane). The secondary fluid vaporizes, which turns the turbines,which drive the generators. The remaining secondary fluid is simplyrecycled through the heat exchanger. The geothermal fluid is condensedand returned to the reservoir.

It remains to be seen if presently experimental “hot dry rocktechnology” can function as expected and answer special challenges:

-   -   1. It requires a huge amount of water to form, deep down, man        made, hydrothermal reservoir in a place where water has not been        naturally accumulated.    -   2. Would a huge amount of water be lost, absorbed into rocks in        different directions?    -   3. How much of water, if any, could reach production well        through cracks and fissures in the hot rocks?    -   4. How mach water, if any can be recovered and pumped back on        ground surface to be used in a conventional or in a “binary”        power plant?    -   5. Also, during pumping up water to the surface through        production well water will pass through layers of gradually less        hot rocks and eventually through cold rocks close to the        surface—how much of the heat will be lost and how much of water        will be lost—absorbed into rocks during trip up?

The heat exchange system explained here in FIG. 13 is a simple systemwhich uses the same amount of water all the time because it is literallyclose loop system, not just binary part on the ground surface but alsopart down in the ground. It doesn't deal with removing silica andminerals in a separator from the geothermal fluid.

It doesn't lose water into cracks and fissures of the hot rocks becausewater circulates through coil pipe and houses. The lost of heat on thetrip up is limited because houses are insolated. It doesn't requireseveral wells to function (injection well and several production wells)it rather uses single well for each unite.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of cross sectional view of the binarygeothermal power plant 180. Here are illustrated; the heat exchanger184, the turbines 230, the condenser 260 and electric generator 250. Hotwater from deep underground passes through close loop tube 72 into coil182 inside heat exchanger 184 where its heat is transferred into asecond (binary) liquid, such as isopentane, that boils at a lowertemperature than water. When heated, the binary liquid flashes to vapor,which, like steam, expands across, passes through steam pipe 222 andcontrol valve 288 and then spins the turbine 230. Exhausted vapor isthen condensed to a liquid in the condenser 260 and then is pumped backinto boiler 220 through feed pipe 214 and boiler feed pump 212. In thisclosed loop cycle, vapor is reused repeatedly and there are no emissionsto the air. The shaft of the turbines 230 is connected with shaft of theelectric generator 250 which spins and produces electricity, which isthen transported through electric cable 277 to transformer and grid lineto the users. (Transformer and grid line are not illustrated).

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of cross sectional view of a geothermalpower plant 190 (not a binary power plant), as an alternative solutionfor cases where water coming from tube 72 is hot enough to producesteam. (It may be applicable in an alternative, independent, heatexchange system shown in FIG. 13). Here are illustrated; the boiler 220,the turbines 230, the condenser 260 and electric generator 250. Hotwater from deep underground passes through close loop tube 72 intoboiler 220 where evaporates. The steam then passes through steam pipe222 and control valve 288 and then spins the turbine 230. Exhaustedvapor is then condensed to a liquid in the condenser 260 and then ispumped back into close loop tube 72 which leads into well as explainearlier. Here is also shown feed pipe 214 and water pump 212 which arepart of close loop system. Here is also shown shaft of the turbines 230which is connected with shaft of the electric generator 250 which spinsand produces electricity. Electricity is then transported throughelectric cable 277 to transformer and grid line to the users.(Transformer and grid line are not illustrated).

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate plain view of the geothermal power plant 300with 24 wells and control center 200 in accordance with the invention.For clarity and simplicity, here is shown schematic diagram only of onequarter of the plant, 6 wells 19-24, and three binary power units 132,142 and 152. The other three quarters of the power plant are identical.

As explained earlier the cooling system of the self contained in-groundgeothermal generator 100, is a close loop tube system which coolscondenser by circulating water through the peripheral chamber 68 of thecondenser 160, formed between external and internal cylinders 90 and 80,and then transfers the heat up on ground surface. The heat on groundsurface is then used to produce additional electricity in a “binary”power plant through system of several heat exchangers and then returnedas cooled water to the relevant peripheral chamber 68 of the condenser160.

Here are illustrated three “binary” power units 132, 142 and 152 whichare connected with six self contained in-ground geothermal generatorsinside wells 19-24.

Each of those three binary power units 132, 142 and 152 consist of: theboilers 133, 143 and 153, the turbines 134, 144 and 154 and the electricgenerators 135, 145 and 155.

The boiler 133 of the binary production unit 132 has six heat exchangecoils 319, 320, 321, 322, 323 and 324, which are connected to thecondensers 160 of the relevant self contained in-ground geothermalgenerators, inside wells 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 with one end of thetube of close loop system.

Before other end of the tube of close loop system reaches the condensers160 of the relevant self contained in-ground geothermal generatorsinside wells 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 and complete close loop cycle, italso passes through boilers 143 and 153 of the binary production units142 and 152. The purpose of it is to exchange heat and use it on theground surface in the binary production units as much as possible and tosend back cooled water to the condensers 160. For clarity andsimplicity, any radiant tubing is not shown and directions of the flowthrough line are marked with arrow sign.

The boiler 143 of the binary production unit 142 has also six heatexchange coils 419, 420, 421, 422, 423 and 424.

The boiler 153 of the binary production unit 152 has also six heatexchange coils 519, 520, 521, 522, 523 and 524.

The boiler 133 of the binary production unit 132 produces the hotteststeam because it is the first station where heat is exchanged throughcoils 319, 320, 321, 322, 323 and 324.

The boiler 143 of the binary production unit 142 is the second stationwhere heat is exchanged through coils 419, 420, 421, 422, 423 and 424,and steam temperature is lesser than in boiler 133.

The boiler 153 of the binary production unit 152 is the third stationwhere heat is exchanged through coils 519, 520, 521, 522, 523 and 524,and steam temperature is lesser than in boiler 143.

The binary power units 132, 142 and 152 are designed to operate atdifferent steam temperature and presser.

As an alternative solution; the steam from boilers 133, 143 and 153,which deal with different temperature and pressure, can be funneled to asingle binary power unit with single turbine and generator.

As an alternative solution; after leaving coils 519, 520, 521, 522, 523and 524 of the binary production unit 152, if water is still hot, thetube 72 can be cooled with running water, if available, or can be usedfor heating building.

FIG. 17 is enlarged schematic diagram of the one section of thegeothermal power plant 300 shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is enlarged plain view of the boiler 133 of the binaryproduction unit 132 illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. Here are shown heatexchange coils 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324 and main steam pipe 222.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the boiler 133 of thebinary production unit 132 taken along line 19-19′ of FIG. 18. Here arealso shown heat exchange coils 322, 323, and 324 from which its heat istransferred into a second (binary) liquid, such as isopentane, thatboils at a lower temperature than water. When heated, the binary liquidflashes to vapor, which, like steam, expands across, passes throughsteam pipe 222. (The process is explained in binary power plant earlierin FIG. 14). Here is also shown feed pipe 214 through which exhaustedvapor are returned into boiler 133 for reheating.

FIG. 20 illustrate a cross sectional view of an alternative tower 240for assembling, lowering or lifting the self contained in-groundgeothermal generator 100. Here are shown structural frame 249 of thetower 240. Also shown here are well 19, lining of the well 247,foundation platform 248, and system of ratchets 242 and 246 for maincable 75 and peripheral cables 74. (Cables are not shown).

FIG. 21 illustrate a cross sectional view of an alternative tower 241for assembling, lowering or lifting the self contained in-groundgeothermal generator 100, with wind mill 245 installed on it, as anadditional source of energy if geothermal power plant is located inwindy area. The tower 241 is similar as tower 240 illustrated in FIG. 20with addition of extension element 235. Here are also shown structuralframe 249, well 19, lining of the well 247, foundation platform 248, andsystem of ratchets 242 and 246 for main cable 75 and peripheral cables74. (Cables are not shown). Also illustrated here are conventionalgenerator with gear box 244 and blades 243. The objective of thisaddition is to use assembling tower also as a platform for wind mill. Itwill be understood that the tower 241 may be permanent or temporary.

This invention explains a method of how to use unlimited sources ofgeothermal energy which has not been used in this way today. Thisinvention explains how to use internal heat of our planet and produceelectricity deep down and transport it to the surface by cable. Thisinvention explains self contained geothermal generator with its basicelements, their shape, form and interactions and their functions.

In this presentation, turbines, generator, pumps, control valves andsafety relief valves are not illustrated in details but there are manyreliable, heat resistant, automatic, fast action pumps and controlvalves, turbines and generators used in power plants, steam engines,marines industry, and the like that may be applicable in embodiments ofthe present invention. Further, according to particular embodiments ofthe present invention, the length of the chambers are not limited to therespective size as represented in the drawing figures of thisdisclosure, but rather they may be of any desired length.

The sizes of elements of this invention, such as the diameter, arelimited to drilling technology at the time, diameter of the wells andpractical weight of the assembly.

Additionally, particular embodiments of the present invention may use acable, chain or other suitable means for lowering the geothermalgenerator into pre-drilled hole

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order tobest explain the present invention and its particular application and tothereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use theinvention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the foregoing description and examples have been presented for thepurpose of illustration and example only. The description as set is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A method of using a self-contained geo-thermal generator comprising:lowering the geo-thermal generator from a ground surface down to adesired level, wherein the desired level is at a desired temperature ofsurrounding hot rocks; producing steam from a volume of water containedwithin the self-contained geo-thermal generator; flowing the steam froma boiler compartment of the self-contained geo-thermal generator to aturbine compartment of the self-contained geo-thermal generator; flowingthe steam from the turbine compartment, through a converter and anelectric generator into a condenser; producing electric energy from thesteam; transporting the electric energy from the desired level to theground surface; condensing the steam and flowing the condensed steamfrom a condenser to the boiler compartment; flowing the condensed steamfurther comprises flowing the condensed steam through a plurality oftubes, the tubes configured in a closed loop within the self-containedgeo-thermal generator, wherein the plurality of tubes are disposedwithin the condenser, the condenser formed within a space between aninternal cylinder and an external cylinder; and circulating cooled waterto the space between the internal cylinder and the external cylinder forcooling the condenser of the geo-thermal generator.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the circulating of water occurs in response toactivation of water pumps.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprisingthermally insulating all components of the self-contained geo-thermalgenerator except the boiler.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the stepof transporting the electric energy further comprises coupling anelectric cable to the self-contained geo-thermal generator, wherein theelectric cable extends from the desired level to the ground surface. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the step of producing electric energyfurther comprises using the steam to turn turbines.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising exchanging heat at the ground surface by useof a closed loop pipe of the geo-thermal generator.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising transferring heat for external uses.
 8. Ageo-thermal generator, comprising: a boiler containing water; a turbinecompartment having at least one turbine with a turbine shaft; anelectric generator; a condenser having a distributor chamber and aperipheral chamber, wherein a plurality of tubes are coupled to thedistributor chamber and contained within the peripheral chamber; anelectric cable, wherein: the boiler is adapted to generatehigh-pressured superheated steam from the water, the steam passingthrough a valve into the turbine compartment; the at least one turbinerotating in response to the steam passing through the turbinecompartment; the electric generator operating in response to rotating ofthe at least one turbine; the electric cable transferring electricity inresponse to operation of the electronic generator; and the steam passinginto the distributor chamber of the condenser, the distributor chamberadapted to condense the steam into water as the steam passes through theplurality of tubes within the peripheral chamber and is deposited withinthe boiler; and a plurality of holding pins on each segment of thegeothermal generator, the plurality of holding pins coupled to aplurality of separate peripheral cables, wherein the plurality ofperipheral cables are adapted to reduce tension on a main cable duringlowering or lifting of the geothermal generator.
 9. The geothermalgenerator of claim 8, further comprising thermal insulation, theinsulation surrounding all components of the geo-thermal generatorexcept the boiler.
 10. The geo-thermal generator of claim 8, furthercomprising a gear box mechanically coupled between the turbine shaft ofthe turbine and the electric generator, wherein the gear box rotates theelectric generator in a direction opposite a rotation direction of theturbine such that momentum of the turbine is neutralized by momentum ofthe electric generator.
 11. The geothermal generator of claim 8, furthercomprising a first tube adapted to flow water into the boiler and asecond tube adapted to flow air out of the boiler, the water levelwithin the boiler being adjustable in response to the flow of water intothe boiler through the first tube and the flow of the air out of theboiler through the second tube, wherein the boiler may be filled afterlowering it into a well.
 12. The geothermal generator of claim 8,further comprising structural ribs coupled between the distributorchamber and the peripheral chamber to improve structural integrity ofthe geothermal generator in a high pressure environment.
 13. Thegeothermal generator of claim 8, further comprising a windmillmechanically coupled to the system to provide an additional means ofproducing energy.